Led lamp

ABSTRACT

An LED lamp includes LED chips, a translucent cover housing the LED chips, a motion sensor unit, a condensing lens, and a power unit. The motion sensor unit includes a light receiving element for light of a predetermined wavelength. The lens condenses light of the predetermined wavelength onto the light receiving element. The power unit controls the state of operation of the LED chips based on an output from the motion sensor unit. The motion sensor unit includes a light shielding member disposed to overlap the light receiving element in an optical axis direction of the condensing lens and also to surround the light receiving element as viewed in the optical axis direction. The light shielding member is made of a material having a lower light transmissivity than that of the condensing lens for a range of wavelengths including the predetermined wavelength.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an LED lamp provided with a motionsensor unit.

2. Description of the Related Art

FIG. 16 shows a conventional LED lamp (see Patent Document 1 forexample). The illustrated LED lamp 900, which can be used as analternative to a traditional straight-tube fluorescent lamp, includes aplurality of LED (Light Emitting Diode) chips 91. The LED chips 91 areencased in a cylindrical translucent cover 94. The translucent cover 94allows the light from the LED chips 91 to pass through while alsodiffusing the light. The translucent cover 94 is provided with a pair ofcaps 92 at its respective ends. With the caps 92 connected to anunillustrated light fixture, commercial electric power of, e.g. 100 VAC(AC voltage), is supplied to the LED lamp 900. The LED lamp 900 includesa power unit (not illustrated) which converts the 100 VAC into DC powerfor the LED chips 91 to turn on. The LED lamp 900 also includes a motionsensor unit 93. The motion sensor unit 93 senses infrared raysirradiated from e.g. a human body and outputs a detection signal. Uponreception of the detection signal, the power unit performs lightingcontrol, to turn on the LED chips 91 for a predetermined time forexample.

However, the motion sensor unit 93, though supposed to sense infraredrays, may also respond to visible light besides infrared rays. Hence,light from the LED chips 91 may be detected by the motion sensor unit93, thereby causing the LED lamp 900 to operate erroneously even when nomoving object is present within the field of view of the sensor.

LEDs are also used as a source of light in lighting equipment such as afocal illuminator (so-called “task light”) and a kitchen illuminator(see Patent Document 2, for example).

Focal illuminators using LEDs have an advantage that their cases can bemade thinner than those using incandescent lamps or fluorescent lamps.Such a thin case, however, may be disadvantageous in that it isdifficult to provide the case with operational members such as a powerswitch, a dimmer knob, etc.

Kitchen illuminators often need to be turned on or off with a wet hand,which poses safety risk as well as hygiene risk.

An effective way to handle the above problems may be to introduce atouchless operation system. The touchless operation can be implementedby conventional technique of combining an illuminator with an opticaltouchless sensor that uses non-contact sensing technology to detect amoving object or an approaching object.

lighting apparatus provided with a touchless sensor.

An optical touchless sensor includes a light emitting device such as LEDand LD (Laser Diode), and a light receiving element such asphototraiisistor and photodiode. The light, emitting device emits light,so that the light will hit a target of detection and light reflectedthereby will be received by the light receiving element, which will thenconverts the light into an electrical signal to identify a movementand/or position of the target. This method is advantageous in terms oflight, sensitivity and detection accuracy, and is suitable for proximitysensing, for example.

Touchless sensors can detect the position of a detection target such asa hand of a human operator. Thus, an illuminator with a touchlesssensor, for example, can turn On/Off the light in a contactless fashionas the detection target is approaching the predetermined position.

However, with the optical touchless sensors, it is difficult tomanufacture products with desired performance at a high yield rate, dueto the variation in performance of the light emitting device and thelight receiving element, or the variation in mounting accuracy of thecomponents.

Patent Document 4 and Patent Document 5 disclose some examples ofconventional optical touchless sensors.

Patent Documents

-   Patent Document 1: JP-A-2010-80139-   Patent Document 2: JP-A-2011-28868-   Patent Document 3: JP-B-3060478-   Patent Document 4: JP-A-H09-54233-   Patent Document 5: JP-A-2002-26369

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present, invention has been proposed under the above-describedcircumstances, and it is therefore an object of the present invention toprovide an LED lamp with reduced erroneous operation. Also, in view ofthe problems described thus far, it is another object of the presentinvention to provide an illuminator including a touchless sensor and acontroller which provides improvement in product yield rate.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is providedan LED lamp provided with: a light, source including at least one LEDchip; a translucent cover for housing the LED chip and allowing lightfrom the LED chip to pass through; a motion sensor unit including alight receiving element for receiving light of a predeterminedwavelength, and a condensing lens for condensing light of thepredetermined wavelength onto the light receiving element; and a powerunit for controlling a state of operation of the LED chip based on anoutput from the motion sensor unit. The motion sensor unit includes alight shielding member that is disposed to overlap the light receivingelement in an optical axis direction of the condensing lens and arrangedto surround the light receiving element as viewed in the optical axisdirection. The light shielding member is made of a material having alower light transmissivity than that of the condensing lens for a rangeof wavelengths including the predetermined wavelength.

Preferably, the condensing lens is exposed from the translucent cover.

Preferably, the light shielding member is exposed from the translucentcover.

Preferably, the light, of the predetermined wavelength is infraredlight.

Preferably, the LED lamp of the first aspect is further provided with anelongated rectangular LED substrate and a pair of caps each attached toan end of the case. The translucent cover is cylindrical, and the lightsource includes a plurality of LED chips arranged on the LED substratein a row extending in a longitudinal direction of the LED substrate.

Preferably, the motion sensor unit includes a transmissive cup housingthe light receiving element, and the cup includes a tubular portion andthe condensing lens. The light shielding member includes a lightshielding tube surrounding the tubular portion of the cup.

Preferably, the motion sensor unit includes a metal cup that supportsthe light receiving element and is housed in the transmissive cup.

Preferably, the light shielding member includes a light shielding tubeconnected to the condensing lens.

Preferably, the motion sensor unit includes a metal cup that supportsthe light receiving element and is housed in the light shielding tube.

Preferably, the light shielding tube is formed with a projection formaking contact with an inner surface of the translucent, cover.

Preferably, the projection includes a plurality of ribs each elongatedin the optical axis direction of the condensing lens.

Preferably, the projection includes at least four ribs.

Preferably, the light shielding member includes a metal cup supportingthe light receiving element.

Preferably, the LED lamp of the first aspect is further provided with aheat dissipater to which the LED substrate is attached.

Preferably, the heat dissipater is formed with a power source storagefor housing the power unit.

Preferably, the LED lamp of the first aspect is further provided with asensor base made of a transparent material. The sensor base strides overthe LSD substrate and supports the motion sensor unit.

Preferably, the sensor base and one of the LED chips overlap with eachother as viewed in a thickness direction of the LED substrate.

Preferably, the motion sensor unit includes a sensor substrate thatindirectly supports the light receiving element, and the sensor base isformed with a fitting groove into which an end of the sensor substrateis inserted.

Preferably, the sensor base includes a separation wall disposed betweenthe sensor substrate and the LED chips, and the separation wall isspaced apart from the sensor substrate.

Preferably, the translucent cover has an end formed with a cutoutrecessing in a longitudinal direction of the cover, and the condensinglens is exposed to an outside of the LED lamp via the cutout.

Preferably, the LED lamp of the first aspect is further provided with ashield plate filling a gap between the cutout and the motion sensorunit.

Preferably, one of the two caps is closer to the cutout than the otherof the two cups, and the above-mentioned one of the two caps includes ashielding projection extending into the cutout.

Preferably, the LED lamp of the first aspect is further provided with anLED substrate and a cap, where the LED substrate supports the LED chip,and the cap is disposed opposite to the LED substrate with respect tothe power unit. The translucent cover is dome-shaped, the motion sensorunit is supported by the LED substrate, and the translucent coverincludes a top portion at which the condensing lens is exposed to anoutside of the LED lamp.

According to the arrangements described above, any light other thantravelling to the condensing lens is blocked by the light shieldingmember. Thus, it is possible to prevent light of the LED chips fromreaching the light receiving element. Accordingly, the LED lamp is noterroneously turned on when the user or any other person is not withinthe area to foe lit by the LED lamp.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is providedan illuminator that includes: a light source; a touchless sensor fornon-contact detection of approach or movement of a detection target; anda controller for an ON/OFF control of the light, source based on anoutput from the touchless sensor. In an embodiment of the second aspect,the controller includes a data memory for storage of reflected-lightintensity information regarding a reflected light coming from thedetection target to the touchless sensor, and the data memory isrewritable.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is providedan adjustment method for an illuminator, where the method includes:

(a) a step of preparing an illuminator which includes a touchless sensorand a detection target;(b) a step of moving the detection target by a predetermined distancefrom the touchless sensor;(c) a step of emitting light from the touchless sensor to hit thedetection target;(d) a step of detecting an intensity of light reflected by the detectiontarget;(e) a step of comparing the detected light intensity with a lightintensity threshold value stored in the controller; and(f) a step of determining whether or not a range in which the touchlesssensor and the controller respond to the detection target is within apredetermined specification.

Preferably, the adjustment method of the third aspect further includes:

(g) a step of fixing the distance between the detection target and thetouchless sensor to a predetermined distance and detecting an intensityof reflected infrared rays casted onto the touchless sensor; and(h) a step of storing the detected reflected-light intensity informationin the controller;

for a case where the range in which the touchless sensor and thecontroller respond to the detection target is not within thepredetermined range.

Preferably, the adjustment method of the third aspect may include:

(i) a step of measuring the intensity of reflected infrared rays castedfrom the detection target to the touchless sensor based on a timing of asignal periodically sent from the controller.

According to the illuminators and the adjusting methods noted above, itis possible to adjust an operation of the touchless sensor even afterthe illuminators have been assembled if there are operational variationsin the light emitting devices and the light receiving elements or ifthere are positional errors when mounting the light emitting devices andthe light, receiving elements. Thus, the present invention is capable ofimproving yield rate in the production process of the illuminators.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become moreapparent from detailed description given below with reference to theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view showing a primary portion of an LED lampaccording to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken in lines II-II in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a primary portion taken in lines III-IIIin FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a primary portion of the LED lamp inFIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of an LED module used in the LEDlamp in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a motion sensor unit and a sensor baseused in the LED lamp in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front view of a light, shielding tube in the motion sensorunit used in the LED lamp in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a bottom view of the light shielding tube in the motion sensorunit used in the LED lamp in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the sensor base used in the LED lamp in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the sensor base used in the LED lamp in FIG.1.

FIG. 11 is a rear view of the sensor base used in the LED lamp in FIG.1.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of an LED lamp according to a secondembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of an LED lamp according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a sectional view of an LED lamp according to a fourthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a sectional view of an LED lamp according to a fifthembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a plan view of a conventional LED lamp.

FIG. 17 shows an illuminator according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual drawing of a touchless sensor used in theilluminator according to the present invention.

FIG. 1S is a block diagram of a circuit used in the illuminatoraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 20A is a conceptual drawing for describing a method for adjusting adistance determining threshold value which is stored in a controller inan illuminator according to the present invention.

FIG. 20B is a conceptual drawing for describing a method for adjusting adistance determining threshold value which is stored in a controller inan illuminator according to the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual drawing to show how light is emitted from atouchless sensor according to the present invention toward an inspectionjig.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a method for adjusting a distance determiningthreshold value which is stored in a controller in an illuminatoraccording to the present invention.

FIG. 23 shows a pass/fail decision table used in the adjusting method,in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24A shows a time chart for describing a signal which is processedin a controller in a normal mode according to the present invention.

FIG. 24B shows a time chart for describing a signal which is processedin a controller in a normal mode according to the present invention.

FIG. 24C shows a time chart for describing a signal which is processedin a controller in a normal mode according to the present invention.

FIG. 25A shows a time chart for describing a signal which is processedin a controller in an adjustment mode according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 25B shows a time chart for describing a signal which is processedin a controller in the adjustment mode according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 26A is a conceptual sketch showing a suitable variation of anilluminator according to the present invention.

FIG. 26B is a conceptual sketch showing details of a kitchen illuminatoras a suitable variation of lighting apparatus according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 27 illustrates a suitable variation of lighting apparatus accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 through FIG. 4 show an LED lamp according to a first embodimentof the present invention. The LED lamp 101 according to the presentembodiment includes an LED substrate 200, a plurality of LED modules300, a motion sensor unit 400, a sensor base 500, a translucent cover600, a heat dissipater 700, a power unit 800 and a pair of caps (orbases) 850. The LED lamp 101 can be used as an alternative to aconventional straight tube fluorescent lamp, and is attachable to alight fixture for a straight tube fluorescent lamp. It should be notedhere that FIG. 4 does not show the caps 850 for the sake of easierunderstanding. Note also, that including all of these figures and ineach of the following embodiments, an optical axis direction z can beused as a reference for up-down directionality. Specifically, withreference to the optical axis direction z, an upper side represents theside closer to the floor of a room while a lower side represents theside closer to the ceiling when the fixture is in actual use.

The LED substrate 200 is rectangular, and elongated in a longitudinaldirection x, and includes a base material which is made of an insulatingmaterial provided by a ceramic such as alumina or glass epoxy resin; anda wiring pattern which is formed on the base material. The LED substrate200 supports a plurality of LED modules 300 while providing pathways forsupplying the modules with electric power from the power unit 800.

The LED modules 300 serve as a light source of the LED lamp 101, and aredisposed in the longitudinal direction x on the LED substrate 200 in thepresent embodiment. FIG. 5 is a sectional view of the LED modules 300taken in a yz plane. As shown in the figure, each LED module 300includes a pair of leads 320, a LED chip 310, sealing resin 330, and areflector 340. The leads 320 are made of an Cu alloy for example, andone of the leads 320 is mounted with the LED chip 310. A surface of thislead 320, which is a surface facing away from the surface on which theLED chip 310 is mounted, is used as a terminal for making surfacemounting of the LED module 300. The LED chip 310 is provided by a GaNsemiconductor for example, and is capable of emitting blue light. Thesealing resin 330 protects the LED chip 310. The sealing resin 330 isformed of translucent resin containing a fluorescent, material which,when excited by the light from the LED chip 310, emits yellow light.With this arrangement, the LED module 300 is capable of emitting whitelight. The fluorescent material need not necessarily be one which emitsyellow light, but instead, may be provided by a mixture of a materialwhich emits red light and one which emits green light. The reflector 340is made of a white resin for example, and reflects the light which isemitted sideways from the LED chip 310 in an upward direction.

The translucent cover 600 protects the LED modules 300, and allows thelight therefrom to pass through while diffusing the light. Thetranslucent cover 600 is made of opaque white polycarbonate resin forexample, and is cylindrical. The translucent cover 600 is formed with acutout 610. The cutout 610 is formed at an end region of the translucentcover 600 in the longitudinal direction x, to provide an inwardrecessing space with respect to the longitudinal direction x.

The motion sensor unit 400 detects presence of a user within a spaceserved by the LED lamp 101, and includes a light receiving element 410,a transmissive cup 430, a light shielding tube 440, a metal cup 450 anda sensor substrate 460. The light receiving element 410 generates anelectrical change upon reception of infrared rays, and is provided bye.g. a pyroelectric element in the present embodiment. The pyroelectricelement generates a level of electromotive force in accordance with achange in infrared rays it receives. However, the light receivingelement 410 may be provided by any other devices than a pyroelectricelement as far as it is capable of detecting light reflected by a humanbody. The metal cup 450 is a bottomed cylinder made of iron or an ironalloy. On the bottom of the metal cup 450, the light receiving element410 is attached, being exposed from the metal cup 450.

The transmissive cup 430 is made of polycarbonate resin for example, orother material which has a relatively good translucency to infraredrays. Together with the metal cup 450 the transmissive cup 430 coversthe light receiving element 410. The transmissive cup 430 includes acondensing lens 420 and a tubular portion 431. The condensing lens 420collects light which is coming in the optical axis direction z and lightwhich is coming askew to the optical axis direction z within apredetermined range of angles onto the light receiving element 410. Asshown clearly in FIG. 6, the condensing lens 420 is constituted by aplurality of smaller lens surfaces in the present embodiment. As shownin FIG. 2 and FIG. 3, the tubular portion 431 extends downward from thecondensing lens 420 in the optical axis direction z and is cylindricalin the present embodiment.

The condensing lens 420 is exposed from the cutout 610 of thetranslucent cover 600 in the upward direction in the optical axisdirection z. Also, the light shielding tube 440 has its upper end regionin the optical axis direction z exposed from the cutout 610 of thetranslucent cover 600 in the upward direction in the optical axisdirection z. As shown clearly in FIG. 4 there is a gap between thecutout 610 of the translucent cover 600 and the motion sensor unit 400,which is sealed by a shield plate 620.

The light shielding tube 440, which represents an example of the light,shielding member according to the present invention, covers the tubularportion 431 of the transmissive cup 430. The light shielding tube 440 isformed of a material which has a lower infrared ray transmissivity thana material of which the transmissive cup 430 (the condensing lens 420)is formed. Examples of such a material include polyethylene resin,polypropylene resin, polyethylene resin and PET resin. Also, it ispreferable that the material for the light shielding tube 440 selectedfrom those listed above has a lower visible light transmissivity thanthe above-listed materials of which the condensing lens 420 is formed.

As shown clearly in FIG. 6 through FIG. 8, the light shielding tube 440is formed with four ribs 441. The four ribs 441 are disposed at anapproximately 90 degree angular interval as viewed from the optical axisdirection z. Each of the ribs 441 extends long in the optical axisdirection z. As shown in FIG. 2, the ribs 441 have their upper ends inthe optical axis direction z in contact with or in very close to aninner surface of the translucent cover 600. In the present embodiment,the upper end of the light shielding tube 440 in the optical axisdirection z aligns with a lower end of the condensing lens 420 in theoptical axis direction z whereas a lower end of the light shielding tube440 in the optical axis direction z aligns with a lower end of thetransmissive cup 430 in the optical axis direction z.

The sensor substrate 460 supports the metal cup 450, the transmissivecup 430 and the light shielding tube 440. The sensor substrate 460 isprovided by a printed wiring substrate of glass epoxy resin. The sensorsubstrate 460 is mounted with electronic parts (not illustrated) foroutputting a detection signal based on changes in the electromotiveforce generated by the light receiving element 410. Cables 470 extendfrom the sensor substrate 460. The cables 470 provide a transmissionpath for sending the detection signal to the power unit 800.

The sensor base 500 supports the motion sensor unit 400, and as shown inFIG. 9 through FIG. 11, has an upper wall 510, a separation wall 520,and a pair of leg walls 530. In the present embodiment, the sensor base500 is made of transparent resin provided by aclyric resin for example.The sensor base 500 has a generally U shaped member as a whole, openingin the optical axis direction z, striding over part of the LED substrate200 and several of the LED modules 300. Especially in the presentembodiment, the sensor base 500 aligns at least, one of the LED modules300 in the optical axis direction z.

The upper wall 510 is on an upper side with respect to the optical axisdirection z, and has an opening 511 and a pair of fitting grooves 512.The fitting grooves 512 are along two sides of the opening 511, whichare the sides opposing to each other in the width direction y, and thegrooves 512 extend in the longitudinal direction x. As shown in FIG. 2and FIG. 6, the fitting grooves 512 are fitted by two sides of thesensor substrate 460 of the motion sensor unit 400, which are the sidesopposing to each other in the width direction y. Thus, the motion sensorunit 400 is supported by the sensor base 500. The opening 511 provides aspace for the metal cup 450, the transmissive cup 430 and the lightshielding tube 440 to be erected upward from the sensor substrate; 460in the optical axis direction z.

The separation wall 520 is below the upper wall 510 with respect to theoptical axis direction z, being spaced from the upper wall 510. As shownin FIG. 2, the cables 470 of the motion sensor unit 400 are housed in aspace between the upper wall 510 and the separation wall 520. The legwalls 530 are separated from each other in the width direction y, andconnected with each other by the upper wall 510 and the separation wall520. The leg walls 530 are attached onto inward-extending projectionsformed in the translucent cover 600.

The heat dissipater 700, which conducts heat from the LED modules 300 tothe outside, is made of aluminum for example, in the present embodiment.The heat dissipater 700 has a generally U shaped section, and extendslong in the longitudinal direction x. The LED substrate 200 is mountedon an upper surface of the heat dissipater 700. The heat dissipater 700has a power source storage 710. The power source storage 710 houses thepower unit 800.

The power unit 800 converts, e.g. a commercial supply of 100 VAC, intoDC power suitable for operating the LED modules 300 (LED chips 310), andincludes a transformer, capacitors, resisters, and an LED driver (noneof these are illustrated) for example. The power unit 800 in the presentembodiment includes a circuit which turns on the LED module 300 (LEDchips 310) for a predetermined time in response to an input of adetection signal from the motion sensor unit 400.

Each of the caps 850 is attached to one of the ends of the translucentcover 600 in the longitudinal direction x. The caps 850 serve asconnection plugs for attaching the LED lamp 101 to a light fixture forstraight tube fluorescent lamps. Each cap 850 has a case 860 andterminals 870. The case 860 is a bottomed cylinder made of metal orresin for example. The terminals 870 are metal pin members. In caseswhere the case 860 is made of metal, the terminals 870 are partiallywrapped with an insulation material (not illustrated). As shown in FIG.3, the case 860 of the cap 850 which is closer to the motion sensor unit400 has a shielding projection 861. The shielding projection 861 isprojected in the longitudinal direction x, and has a shape and a sizefor covering a region including part of the cutout 610 in thetranslucent cover 600 which is not covered by the motion sensor unit 400and the shield plate 620.

Next, advantages of the LED lamp 101 will be described.

According to the present embodiment, any light such as infrared rays andvisible light other than travelling to the condensing lens 420 is mostlyblocked by the light shielding tube 440. The arrangement is thus capableof reducing cases where light from the LED modules 300 finds a way tothe light receiving element 410. Therefore, the arrangement makes itpossible to prevent the LED lamp 101 from being erroneously turned onwhen the user is not within the area to be lit by the LED lamp 101.

The light shielding tube 440 covers the tubular portion 431 of thetransmissive cup 430 over the region from the sensor substrate 460 tothe translucent cover 600, with its tip portion in the optical axisdirection z exposed from the translucent cover 600. The arrangementprevents cases where light from the LED modules 300 reflected in theinside space of the translucent cover 600 eventually finds a way to thelight receiving element 410, as well as cases where light which travelsthrough the translucent, cover 600 finds a way to the light receivingelement 410. The arrangement is suitable for preventing unintendedactivation of the LED lamp 101. By placing the light receiving element410 within the metal cup 450, the light shielding capability is furtherincreased.

The ribs 441 of the light shielding tube 440 are made to contact withthe inner surface of the translucent cover 600. This provides astructure that the light shielding tube 440 is sandwiched by the sensorsubstrate 460 and the translucent cover 600. The arrangement reducescases where the light shielding tube 440 is displaced unduly. By formingthe four ribs 441 which are spaced radially by 90 degrees, these ribs441 and the translucent cover 600 are reliably made in contact with eachother.

The translucent cover 600 has the cutout 610. This arrangement allowsthat the condensing lens 420 of the motion, sensor unit 400 can foeexposed, appropriately. The shield plate 620 reduces undesirable caseswhere light escapes from a gap between the motion sensor unit 400 andthe translucent cover 600. The case 860 in the cap 850 has the shieldingprojection 861, which helps ensure that, light, will not escape from thegap.

The motion sensor unit 400 is supported by the transparent sensor base500. This arrangement allows that the sensor base 500 is above andacross the LED module 300 while avoiding the problem that light from theLED modules 300 are blocked by the sensor base 500. The arrangement,allows the LED modules 300 to be disposed without avoiding the sensorbase 500, so the LED substrate 200 can be used as a common part, inother LED lamps which do not include the motion sensor unit 400.

The cables 470 are disposed between the upper wall 510 and theseparation wall 520 of the sensor base 500. The arrangement preventscases where the cables 470 make undesirable contact with wiring patterns(not illustrated) of the LED module 300 and of the LED substrate 200.

FIG. 12 through FIG. 15 show another embodiment of the presentinvention. In these figures, elements identical with or similar to thosein the previous embodiment are indicated by the same reference codes asin the previous embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows an LED lamp according to a second embodiment of thepresent, invention. The present embodiment provides an LED lamp 102,which differs from the LED lamp 101 in the arrangement for the lightshielding tube 440 of the motion sensor unit 400. In the presentembodiment, a sloped surface 442 is formed on an upper end withreference to the optical axis direction z, of the light shielding tube440. The sloped surface 442 is open upward with reference to the opticalaxis direction z. The sloped surface 442 has its outer edge located at ahigher level than the lower edge of the condensing lens 420 with respectto the optical axis direction z. The sloped surface 442 has its loweredge aligned with the lower edge of the condensing lens 420 with respectto the optical axis direction z. Such an arrangement as the above isalso capable of reducing the cases where unwanted light will hit thelight receiving element 410, and therefore capable of preventingunintended actuation of the LED lamp 102.

FIG. 13 shows an LED lamp according to a third embodiment of the presentinvention. The present embodiment provides an LED lamp 103, whichdiffers from the LED lamps 101, 102 in the arrangement for the motionsensor unit 400. In the present embodiment, the light shielding tube 440is bonded to the condensing lens 420, differing from the previousembodiments which include the transmissive cup 430. Such an arrangementas the above is also capable of reducing the cases where unwanted lightwill hit the light receiving element 410, and therefore capable ofpreventing unintended actuation of the LED lamp 103.

FIG. 14 shows an LED lamp according to a fourth embodiment of thepresent invention. The present embodiment provides an LED lamp 104,which differs from the LED lamps 101, 102, 103 in the arrangement forthe motion sensor unit 400. In the present embodiment, the condensinglens 420 is attached to an upper end of the metal cup 450 with respectto the optical axis direction z, and the embodiment does not include thetransmissive cup 430 or the light shielding tube 440. The lightreceiving element 410 has an open upper end with respect to the opticalaxis direction z, and the upper end is slightly lower than the upper endof the metal cup 450 with respect to the optical axis direction z. Inthe present embodiment, the metal cup 450 represents the light shieldingmember according to the present invention. Such an arrangement, as theabove is also capable of reducing the cases where unwanted light willhit the light receiving element 410, and therefore capable of preventingunintended actuation of the LED lamp 104.

FIG. 15 shows an LED lamp according to a fifth embodiment of the presentinvention. The LED lamp 105 according to the present embodiment is analternative to a traditional incandescent bulb, and includes an LEDsubstrate 200, a plurality of LED modules 300, a motion sensor unit 400,a translucent cover 600, a heat dissipater 700, a power unit 800 and acap 850.

The LED substrate 200 is circular, and the LED modules 300 are disposedannularly. The motion sensor unit 400 is identical with the one used inthe LED lamp 101. However, any one of the motion sensor units 400 usedin the LED lamp 102 through 104 may be employed instead. The motionsensor unit 400 is disposed at a center of the LED substrate 200, and issurrounded by the LED modules 300.

The translucent cover 600 is dome shaped, with the top of the domeformed with a cutout 610. The cutout 610 exposes the condensing lens 420of the motion sensor unit 400 and an upper end of the light shieldingtube 440 with respect to the optical axis direction z.

The heat dissipater 700, which releases heat from the LED module 300 tothe outside, supports the LED substrate 200 and the translucent cover600. The heat dissipater 700 has its outer surface formed with aplurality of fins (not illustrated) for example. The heat dissipater 700is formed with a power source storage 710. The power source storage 710houses the power unit 800. The cap 850 is attached to the heatdissipater 700, on a lower side with respect to the optical axisdirection z away from the translucent cover 600. The cap 850 confirms toJIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) E17 or E26 for example.

Such an arrangement as the above is also capable of reducing the caseswhere unwanted light will hit the light receiving element 410, andtherefore capable of preventing unintended actuation of the LED lamp105.

The LED lamp according to the present, invention is not limited to theembodiments already described above. The LED lamp according to thepresent invention may be varied in many ways in any specific details.

For example, the tubular portion and/or the light shielding tube of thetransmissive cup according to the present invention need not necessarilybe cylindrical which has a circular section, but may be like a bottomedangular tube. The metal cup according to the present invention may be abottomed tube having a rectangular section.

Any of the LED lamps described thus far may be used in light fixtureswhich will be described hereafter, as an element referred to as aplurality of light sources 18 or a combination of a plurality of LEDlight sources 31 and a touchless sensor 14.

FIG. 17 shows a focal illuminator as one example of lighting apparatusaccording to the present invention. Generally, focal illuminators areknown as lighting apparatus mainly used to provide practical lightingfor a person doing a job or performing some activities. FIG. 17 shows afocal illuminator 10 which is designed to provide lighting at a desk ora table, and includes a case 11, an arm 12 and a base 13.

The case 11 has a light source holder 16, an operation section 17 and anarm bracket 15. The arms bracket 15 has an end supported by the arm 12.The case 11 is a component which also represent functional and/or designcharacteristics of the illuminator.

The arm 12 is a supporting member which connects the case 11 with thebase 13, and is foldable to bring the light to any height. The base 13is a part to be placed on a desk or a table, and to support the case 11and the arm 12.

In the focal illuminator 10, it is preferable that a touchless sensor 14is positioned near the arm bracket 15 where the arm 12 is attached. Bydoing so, the case 11 is protected from an excessive force even if theuser's hand or finger makes accidental contact with the touchless sensor14, and the arrangement will prevent the case 11 from being damaged ordeformed by such incidents.

Hereinafter, description will be made for illuminators, by using thefocal illuminator 10 as a specific example thereof. However, the presentinvention is not limited to the fecal illuminator 10. The presentinvention is applicable to illuminators in general which includetouchless sensors. Obviously, the present invention may be applied tothose illuminators installed on a lower surface of a shelf board of ashowcase or of a display rack for providing lighting to productsdisplayed thereunder. The present invention may also be applied tokitchen illuminators, medical light equipment, and many other caseswhere non-contact activation is preferred due to hygienic reasons.

The light source holder 16 holds a plurality of light sources 18disposed in, e.g. a single line pattern, on one of its main-surfaceside. The operation section 17 has a touchless sensor 14 on one of itsmain surface side. It should be noted here that LEDs are the bestcandidate for the light source 18 in view of power saving and long life.

In the focal illuminator 10, a human operator should simply bringhis/her hand to near the operation section 17 to turn on/off the focalilluminator 10 without touching anything, since the touchless sensor 14on one of the main surfaces of the operation section 17 performs allnecessary operations.

The term near the operation section 17 means at a predetermined distancefrom the operation section 17. This distance is set in advance in aperipheral component of the touchless sensor 14 to be described later,and an appropriate value may be selected for the distance depending onthe purpose for which the illuminator is used, the shape of theilluminator, the place where the illuminator is installed, the intensityof light from the illuminator, etc. This distance will be describedlater in more detail as a preset distance L.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual drawing of a touchless sensor used in theilluminator according to the present invention. The touchless sensor 14works for detecting an object 21. The touchless sensor 14 includes atransparent plate 26, an infrared LED 25, a substrate 22B, a printedwiring substrate 23, a light shield spacer 24 and a semiconductor device22. The touchless sensor 14 detects approach or movement of a detectiontarget, i.e. the object 21, in a non-contact manner. The semiconductordevice 22 incorporates a light intensity sensor 22C and a proximitysensor 22D. The light intensity sensor 22C is an optical sensor whichdetects the intensity of light from various sources of visible lightsuch as fluorescent lamps, incandescent bulbs, the sun, etc. Theproximity sensor 22D detects approach and/or position of an objet innon-contact manner.

Although it is preferable that the light intensity sensor 22C and theproximity sensor 22D are disposed closely to each other for the sake ofcompactness of the semiconductor device 22, it is also imperative to payconsideration to an appropriate distance to separate the two from eachother in order to ensure that both can operate appropriately withoutinterfering with each other. The light intensity sensor 22C and theproximity sensor 22D are provided by photodiodes for example. Thesemiconductor device 22 and the infrared LED 25 are disposed on a mainsurface 22Ba side of the substrate 22B. The substrate 22B has anothermain surface 22Bb, which is in contact with a main surface 23 a of theprinted wiring substrate 23 except for an area occupied by the lightshield spacer 24.

The printed wiring substrate 23 is made of glass epoxy resin for exampleand has another main surface 23 b, which is attached to an inside of anunillustrated casing of the operation section 17 for example. The mainsurface 23 a of the printed wiring substrate 23 is partially in contactwith an end surface of the light shield spacer 24 whereas another endsurface of the light shield spacer 24 is in contact with the transparentplate 26. Specifically, the printed wiring substrate 23 and thetransparent plate 26 are separated by a predetermined distance of theheight of the light shield spacer 24.

The semiconductor device 22 incorporates, in addition to the lightintensity sensor 22C and the proximity sensor 22D, such components as acontrol circuit for processing various information detected by thesensors and an unillustrated data register capable of storing theprocessed information and reading the information as needed.

With reference to FIG. 18, an operation of the touchless sensor 14 willbe outlined: The touchless sensor 14 emits infrared rays α1 of apredetermined intensity from the infrared LED 25 through the transparentplate 26. The infrared rays α1 hit an object 21, i.e. the detectiontarget of the touchless sensor 14 and is reflected, and reflectedinfrared rays α2 come back to the semiconductor device 22 through thetransparent plate 26. The object 21 is placed intentionally in order toreflect the infrared rays α1 and to make the reflected infrared raystravel to the touchless sensor 14. The object 21 is not an essentialcomponent, for the illuminator. When the illuminator is in actual use, ahand of a human operator, for example, plays the part of the object 21whereas when the function of the touchless sensor is evaluated in theproduction process of the illuminator, an inspection jig to be describedlater plays the part.

The semiconductor device 22 electrically detects the intensity of thereflected infrared rays α2 by means of the proximity sensor 22D, andperforms a process to convert the detection result, i.e. light intensityinformation, into reflected-light intensity information for example. Itshould be noted here that the semiconductor device 22 incorporates anunillustrated reflected-light intensity information generator for theconversion of the light intensity information into the reflected-lightintensity information. The resulting signal is stored in anunillustrated data register as e.g. reflected-light intensityinformation. The proximity sensor 22D incorporates an unillustratedinfrared ray sensing section provided by a photodiode having a peakwavelength of e.g. 850 nm. It should be noted here that the lightintensity sensor 22C is capable of measuring a light intensity ofvisible light β from a visible light source 27.

In general, the intensity of the reflected infrared rays α2, which comefrom the object 21 as a result of reflection, decreases as the distanceincreases if the detected infrared rays come from the same object. Inother words, there is a correlation between the light intensity of thereflected infrared rays α2 and the distance front the light source,which is the infrared LED 25 placed inside the touchless sensor 14, tothe object 21.

Actually, however, it is difficult to take each and all measurements toget the precise distance from the infrared LED 25 to the object 21 inthe production process. Practically, therefore, it is more realistic toperform a set procedure on the distance between the object 21 and thetransparent plate 26 by using a preset distance L, because the distancebetween the infrared LED 25 and the transparent plate 26 and thethickness of the transparent plate 26 are both sufficiently smaller thanthe preset distance L. The preset distance L is a distance selected withconsiderations on the purpose, the shape and so on of the touchlesssensor 14 and the illuminator including it.

The semiconductor device 22 and an MCU (Micro Control Unit) which willbe described later are capable of storing a threshold value fordetermining a distance to the object, for comparison with the reflectedinfrared rays α2 which are detected for the purpose of distancedetection.

For example, this threshold value may be a value which indicates anintensity of the reflected infrared rays α2 when the touchless sensor 14and the object 21 are spaced from each other by the preset distance L.This threshold value information may be used as a reference, and if adetection reveals that reflected infrared rays α2 have a light intensityequal to this threshold value, then it is possible to determine that thedistance between the object 21 and the touchless sensor 14 is the presetdistance L.

The preset distance L indicates the distance from the case 11 to anintended target of detection, i.e. the object 21. More specifically, itindicates the distance from the touchless sensor 14 to the object 21. Inother words, the preset distance L indicates a distance by which thetouchless sensor 14 and its peripheral components to be described laterincluded in the focal illuminator 10 will determine that its detectiontarget, i.e. the object 21, is at a predetermined range of distances.

The preset distance L is selected in consideration of the purpose ofusing the illuminator, the environment in which the illuminator isexpected to be used, etc, and is a preset value ranging from 50 mmthrough 1000 mm for example. Thus, there may be a setting that thepreset distance L=200 mm, for example. When the object 21 is closer,i.e. when the distance thereto is shorter than the preset distance L,the object 21 is detected by the touchless sensor 14 and its peripheralcomponents to be described later.

In producing the focal illuminator 10 in FIG. 17, in particular the case11, the light emission intensity, the light sensitivity, etc. tend tovary for components such as the infrared LED 25 and semiconductor device22 of the touchless sensor 14 in FIG. 13. Also, in the course ofassembling the touchless sensor 14, there may be some variation inpositional accuracy, in steps such as the step of mounting the infraredLED 25 and the semiconductor device 22 onto the substrate 22B and thenthe printed wiring substrate 23, or the step of sealing the lightintensity sensor 22C and the proximity sensor 22D with transparent resin22A. The issue of positional accuracy is also present in the step ofattaching the touchless sensor 14 to the operation section 17 inside thecase 11.

Because of this positional variation, the focal illuminator 10 may notbe able to detect accurately that an object is at the preset distance L,even if the production process has been conducted so that theabove-described threshold value is permanently set to a light intensityvalue or a light intensity index value which indicates the intensity ofthe reflected infrared rays α2 from an object located at the presetdistance L.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a circuit used in the illuminatoraccording to the present invention. The diagram specifically shows thetouchless sensor 14 and its peripheral components. The focal illuminator10 in FIG. 17 includes a circuit which is equivalent to the one in thecircuit block diagram in FIG. 19.

FIG. 19 shows an illuminator which includes a LED light source 31 toserve as a light source of the illuminator; a semiconductor device 22and infrared LEDs 25B, 25D and 25F each connected to the source voltageVDD1. The infrared LEDs 25B, 25D and 25F represent the infrared LED 25in FIG. 18. It should be noted here that it is not mandatory to have allof these infrared LEDs. Having at least one is sufficient, having two ismore preferable and having three is even more preferable. Having threeof them helps achieving consistency primarily in terms of the areairradiated with infrared rays α1 and the intensity of the reflectedinfrared rays α2. The quantity may be decreased as far as the advantagesof the present invention are not impaired. The arrangement describedabove has another advantage. Specifically, a plurality of infrared LEDsmay be turned on sequentially to detect reflected light sequentially.Then for each piece of reflected-light intensity information,calculation is made to obtain a phase difference of each, for example.In this way, additional functions may be provided such as detectingmovement of the object 21 and obtaining an axis of the movement.

The touchless sensor 14, which serves as a non-contact detector ofapproach and movement of the object 21, incorporates the semiconductordevice 22; an MCU 33 which performs drive control on a driver IC 32based on an output from the semiconductor device 22; and the driver IC32 which performs drive control on the LED light source 31 in responseto an output from the MCU 33. A source voltage VDD1 is set to 3.3 voltsor 5 volts whereas a source voltage VDD2 is set to 24 volts for example.

The MCU 33 is supplied with the source voltage VDD1 via voltage supplywires 34 and a power terminal Tm1. Also, the MCU 33 is supplied with thesource voltage VDD1 via voltage supply wires 35, enabling means 36 and acontrol terminal Tm2. The enabling means 36 is connected to an outsideof the MCU 33, which represents the controller according to the presentinvention.

The MCU 33 can be provided by an 8-bit through 16-bit flashmicrocomputer for example.

The MCU 33 includes a data memory 33A, i.e. a component for storing thethreshold value which is compared with the light intensity of thereflected infrared rays α2 to determine the distance, an ON/OFF state ofthe driver IC 32, and other data.

The MCU 33 sends e.g. a start signal to the semiconductor device 22. Inresponse to the start signal, the semiconductor device 22 sends theintensity values of the reflected infrared rays α2 to the MCU 33 at apredetermined time interval, in the form of the reflected-lightintensity information for example.

The MCU 33 includes a comparison controller 33B for making a comparisonbetween the reflected-light intensity information received from thesemiconductor device 22 and the above-mentioned threshold value storedin the data memory 33A for use in determining the distance. Thisthreshold value represents a value of the reflected infrared rays α2when the object 21, i.e. the detection target, is at the preset distanceL, and the value is available in the form of e.g. the reflected-lightintensity information.

The MCU 33 includes an input section 33C which, for example, outputs ahigh-level state signal when the control terminal Tm2 is supplied withthe source voltage VDD1 while outputting a low-level state signal inresponse to an application of a grounding voltage, to the comparisoncontroller 33B.

If the signal from the input section 33C is the low-level signal, thecomparison controller 33B makes reference to the threshold valueinformation stored in the data memory 33A, and compares the thresholdvalue information with the reflected-light intensity information fromthe semiconductor device 22.

Further, if the reflected-light intensity information received from thesemiconductor device 22 is greater than the threshold value stored inthe data memory 33A, the comparison controller 33B sends a turn-oncommand when the illuminator is not on, or sends a turn-off command whenthe illuminator is on to the driver IC 32. Based on these commands, thedriver IC 32 drives the LED light source 31. For example, PWM signal canbe utilised as a drive signal for this purpose. Hereinafter, this statewill be called normal mode.

The data memory 33A can store a data which indicates whether the driverIC 32 is in the ON state or in the OFF state. By making reference tothis information, the comparison controller 33B sends an ON command whenthe fixture is in the OFF state while it sends an OFF command when thefixture is in the ON state to the driver IC 32, and the driver IC 32drives the LED light source 31 based on the command. As has beendescribed thus far, the touchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 work togetherso that the illuminator according to the present invention can detect anobject and drive the light source 18 in FIG. 17.

If the signal from the input section 33C is the high-level signal, thecomparison controller 33B makes an access to the threshold valueinformation stored in the data memory 33A, subtracts a predeterminedvalue from the reflected-light intensity information, and thenoverwrites the threshold value with the result of the calculation.Hereinafter, this state will be called adjustment mode. In theadjustment, mode, an adjustment is made to the distance determiningthreshold value which is a reference value stored in the MCU 33 to turnon or off the illuminator.

The enabling means 36 enables/disables the operation of the circuitwhich is incorporated in the MCU 33 for performing the adjustment mode.When the enabling means 36 enables the operation, the MCU 33 performsthe adjustment mode whereas the MCU 33 performs the normal mode when theadjustment operation is disabled.

The enabling means 36 is constituted by a switch 36B and a resister 36D,for example. The switch 36B has two ends, one of which is connected witha voltage supply wire 35 whereas the other end is connected with an endof the resister 36D. The resister 36D has another end, which isconnected with a grounding potential GND.

The switch 36B can foe provided by a dip switch, tact switch, toggleswitch, etc.

When the switch 36B is turned on, the source voltage VDD1 is supplied tothe control terminal Tm2 of the MCU 33, which brings the MCU 33 in theenabled state. When the switch 36B is in the OFF state, the controlterminal Tm2 is connected with the grounding potential GND via theresister 36D. This brings the MCU 33 in the disabled state so theadjustment mode is not performed. In other words, the MCU 33 is in theadjustment mode when the control terminal Tm2 is supplied with thesource voltage VDD1, i.e. in the high-level state, whereas it is in thenormal mode when the control terminal Tm2 is supplied with the groundingvoltage, i.e. in the low-level state.

The enabling means 36, which is constituted by the switch 36B and theresister 36D, may be configured differently. For example, it may beimplemented by some device which has a switching capability fromhigh-level and low-level and vice versa. In fact, the enabling means 36may be provided by whatsoever device as far as it is capable ofinforming the MCU 33 of two states and a change in the state from one tothe other. Specifically for example, the enabling means 36 may beprovided by a transistor.

FIG. 20A and FIG. 20B illustrate a method for adjusting the distancedetermining threshold value which is stored in the MCU 33 in anilluminator according to the present, invention.

In order to describe the method, assume that in addition to a case 11shown in FIG. 17, there is prepared an inspection jig 42 which is usedin place of such a detection target as a hand of a human operator in aninspection procedure.

The case 11 is basically identical with the one shown in FIG. 17, andincludes a light source holder 16, a operation section 17 and an armbracket 15. The operation section 17 has a touchless sensor 14 at apredetermined location thereof. Also, the light, source holder 16 has aplurality of LED light sources 31. The inspection jig 42 is placed as adetection target, in a direction in which the touchless sensor 14 emitsinfrared rays. Since the inspection jig 42 is an alternative to theobject 21 shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19, it is capable of reflectinginfrared rays.

FIG. 20A shows an initial state before the inspection is started, aswell as a state in which the inspection is underway. In the initialstate, the inspection jig 42 and the case 11 are separated by, e.g. thepreset distance L. The preset distance L is, as already described,selected in consideration of the purpose of using the illuminator, theenvironment in which the illuminator is expected to be used, etc, and isa preset value ranging from 50 mm through 1000 mm for example. Thus,there may be a setting that the preset distance L=200 mm, for example.When the object is at a closer distance than the preset distance L, thetouchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 detect the object.

FIG. 20A shows an arrangement where the case 11 is fixed whereas theinspection jig 42 is movable. Needless to say, there may be anarrangement where the inspection jig 42 is fixed and the case 11 ismoved to adjust the distance between the inspection jig 42 and the case11.

The inspection jig 42 is made of a material which does not allowinfrared rays to pass through nor absorb. Examples of the materialincludes non-transparent opaque white non-transparent or non-transparentwhite polyethylene terephthalate resin, thermosetting resin consistingof acrylic nitrile, acrylonitrilebutadiene and acrylonitrile styrene,i.e. ABS resin, polyacrylonitrile styrene resin, and wood. The onlyreason for using these is that they are good reflectors of infraredrays, so material is not limited to these and any material which is agood reflector of infrared rays may be employed.

Preferably, the inspection jig 42 is circular or rectangular, and has athickness of about 10 mm. With this thickness, the jig reliably blocksinfrared rays while providing sufficient strength as well for handlingduring the inspection procedures.

The inspection jig 42 has an upper surface area, which is predeterminedto an optimum value depending upon the preset distance L shown in FIG.20A, and an infrared ray irradiation angle which is a setting in thetouchless sensor 14. More specifically, when a circular cone is assumedwith the touchless sensor 14 at its top and the angle of the apex equalto the above-mentioned infrared ray irradiation angle, the circular conehas a bottom surface area at the preset distance L. The above-mentionedsurface area of the jig should be greater than this bottom surface.

The infrared rays are emitted downward from the touchless sensor 14 at apredetermined irradiation angle. The infrared rays are emitted at thisirradiation angle, in a pattern of, e.g. circular cone with thetouchless sensor 14 at the apex of the cone.

In this adjustment method according to the present invention, atolerance range is set to the preset distance L which is the distance atwhich the illuminator is activated. The tolerance is set to 1% through30% of the preset distance L for example. Depending on the intendedapplication of the illuminator, the tolerance may be set to 5% through10% of the preset distance L. Further, a tolerable longest distance L3is defined as a distance which is obtained by adding the above-mentionedtolerance to the preset distance whereas a tolerable shortest distanceL2 is defined as a distance which is obtained by subtracting theabove-mentioned tolerance from the present distance.

It should be noted here that the adjustment method according to thepresent invention eventually adjusts the distance determining thresholdvalue which is stored in the MCU 33. However, as shown in FIG. 20A, inthe actual adjustment procedure, first, the illuminator is moved over adistance range defined by the tolerable shortest distance L2 and thetolerable longest distance L3 or moved beyond this range, to determinewhether the illuminators are non-defective or they need adjustment.

FIG. 20B shows a state where the illuminator, which was inspected anddetermined in the step shown in FIG. 20A that adjustment was necessary,has been adjusted so that the actual distance between its touchlesssensor 14 and the inspection jig 42 is the preset distance L. Thedistance between the two can be fixed at the preset distance L by usingan unillustrated adjustment jig. The adjustment jig may be provided by ascale which indicates distance, or an adjustment jig which has the exactlength of the preset distance L.

As shown in FIG. 20B, the two is spaced from each other by the presetdistance L, then light intensity is measured under this condition, andthe measured light intensity is stored in the MCU 33.

FIG. 21 is a conceptual drawing to show a state where infrared rays α1are emitted from the touchless sensor 14 toward the inspection jig 42.Parts and components already shown in FIG. 4 are indicated by the samereference codes. The infrared rays α1 are emitted at a predeterminedirradiation angle. The infrared rays α1 are emitted to the inspectionjig 42 (the object 21), in a shape of e.g. a circular cone with thecenter of the touchless sensor 14 being the apex of the cone, to cover apredetermined detection range 14 c.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart for adjusting the distance determining thresholdvalue which is in storage in the MCU 33. The adjustment to the light,intensity value for storage is performed under the states as shown inFIG. 20A and FIG. 20B.

Step S01 checks a distance, so called response distance, at which thetouchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 actually detect the presence of theinspection jig 42. As mentioned above, the response distance must fallwithin the range between the tolerable shortest distance L2 and thetolerable longest distance L3 as shown in FIG. 20A in order for theproduct to pass the inspection. If the inspection jig 42 is at a closerdistance than the response distance, the touchless sensor 14 and the MCU33 always detect the inspection jig 42. It should be noted here that inthe actual inspection, a range slightly wider than from the tolerableshortest distance L2 to the tolerable longest distance L3 should be set.

In Step S0I, the inspection jig 42 can be moved freely within or beyondthe range defined by the tolerable shortest distance L2 and thetolerable longest distance. L3.

In Step S0I, a measurement is performed for an actual distance L_(R)between the touchless sensor 14 and the inspection jig 42 when thetouchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 detect, the inspection jig 42 and theilluminator was activated, i.e., turned on or off. This measurement maybe made using an external unillustrated measuring apparatus.

If Step S0I determines that, the product is non-defective, the processskips Steps S02 through S04, goes to Step S05 and the adjustment flowcomes to an end.

If the product, is determined to be detective on the other hand, theprocess goes to Step S02.

In Step S02, the switch 36B shown in FIG. 19 is turned on, whereby theMCU 33 is brought, into the adjustment, mode. In this transition mode,the distance determining threshold value which is stored in the MCU 33is adjustable. The illuminator is turned on/off in accordance with thelight, intensity value stored in the MCU 33.

In Step S03, an actual distance between the touchless sensor 14 and theinspection jig 42 is brought to be substantially the same as the presetdistance L. As has been described, the preset, distance L is selected inconsideration of the purpose of using the illuminator, the environment,in which the illuminator is expected to be used, etc, and is a presetvalue ranging from 50 mm through 1000 mm for example. Thus, there may bea setting that, the preset, distance L=200 mm, for example, and thisvalue is one of specifications of the illuminator according to thepresent invention.

Step S04 measures a light intensity of the reflected infrared rays α2when the actual distance L_(R) is equal to the preset, distance L, i.e.when L_(R)=L. The light, intensity value of the reflected infrared raysα2 is processed by the semiconductor device 22 and sent to the MCU 33.Then, the comparison controller 33B processes the value and thereafterthe value is stored in the data memory 33A as a new distance determiningthreshold value.

When Step S04 is completed, the process returns to Step S01. Byrepeating the above-described steps in the adjustment flow, it becomespossible to reliably activate the illuminator within a tolerable rangeof the preset distance L.

Once the adjustment mode shown in FIG. 22 is finished, the switch 36B inFIG. 19 is turned off, and the product undergoes subsequent steps suchas optical measurement, packaging and shipment, etc.

FIG. 23 shows a pass/fail decision table used in the adjustment methodin FIG. 22. In FIG. 23, a reference symbol “∘” means that, the productis non-defective and therefore there is no need to perform theadjustment shown in FIG. 22. A triangle reference symbol “Δ” means thatthe product must undergo the adjustment process in FIG. 22. A referencesymbol “x” means that the product is defective as the illuminator. Theserejects are principally found and removed before the adjustmentprocedure in FIG. 22 is executed, but these examples are shownpurposefully in FIG. 23 for the sake of reference.

FIG. 23 shows eight samples, i.e. case 1 through case 8, as hypotheticalexamples. The adjustment procedure in FIG. 22 will be applied to two ofthe cases, i.e. Case 2 and Case 3 as has been described earlier. FIG. 23shows three conditional states, (A), (B) and (C) for each case, aboutthe actual distance L_(R) between the inspection jig 42 and thetouchless sensor 14. State (A) is a state where there is a relationshipof L_(R)<L2. Specifically, this is the state where distance L_(R)between the inspection jig 42 and the touchless sensor 14 is shorterthan the tolerable shortest distance L2, i.e., the inspection jig 42 iscloser the touchless sensor 14 than designed.

State (B) is a state where L2≦L_(R)≦L3. Specifically, this is a statewhere the actual distance L_(R) between the inspection jig 42 and thetouchless sensor 14 is between the tolerable shortest distance L2 andthe tolerable longest distance L3.

State (C) is a state where L_(R)>L3. Specifically, this is the statewhere the actual distance L_(R) between the inspection jig 42 and thetouchless sensor 14 is longer than the tolerable longest distance 13,i.e., the inspection jig 42 is farther from the touchless sensor 14 thandesigned. It should be noted here that when the inspection jig 42 andthe touchless sensor 14 are away from each other than the tolerablelongest distance L3 the touchless sensor 14 should not be activated in anon-defective illuminator.

Upon detection by the touchless sensor 14 and a subsequent response bythe MCU 33, an ON command is sent when the fixture is in the OFF statewhile an OFF command is sent when the fixture is in the ON state, to thedriver IC 32 in FIG. 19, and the driver IC 32 drives the LED lightsource 31 based on the command. The LED light source 31 is driven by aPWM signal for example. If the LED light source 31 located inside theassembled case 11 responded by turning on the light when the light wasin the OFF state or by turning OFF the light when the light was in theON state during the inspection, a High Level (Hv) mark is given whereasif there was no response, a Low Level (Lv) mark is given.

Referring to FIG. 23, Case 1 is determined as normal, i.e. the productis determined non-defective, in the inspection. In States (A) and (B)the LED light source 31 showed High Level (Hv). In State (A) where thedistance L_(R) between the inspection jig 42 and the touchless sensor 14was not longer than the tolerable longest distance L3, the touchlesssensor 14 made detection as designed and the MCU 33 respondedsubsequently. When, however, the distance L_(R) between the two exceededthe tolerable longest distance L3, the touchless sensor 14 did not makedetection and the MCU 33 did not respond, so the result was Low Level(Lv). An illuminator behaving in such a characteristic is anon-defective product. Since the illuminator in Case 1 does not need toundergo the adjustment procedure in FIG. 22, it is determined that thetouchless sensor 14 has a correct range of sensing for the MCU 33.Therefore, Steps S02 through S04 are skipped in Case 1, and the processwill be brought to an end at Step S05.

In Case 2, the touchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 both outputted HighLevel (Hv) in States (A) and (B) like in Case 1, so this product isnon-defective. However, the product also outputted High Level (Hv) inState (C). Specifically, even when the distance L_(R) between theinspection jig 42 and the touchless sensor 14 was longer than thepredetermined distance, the touchless sensor 14 was sensitive enough todetect the inspection jig 42. Thus, the product was judged that itshould undergo the adjustment procedure. In other words, Case 2 is acase where the touchless sensor 14 is more sensitive, being capable ofdetecting beyond the predetermined range. In other words, the touchlesssensor 14 does not function within the predetermined normal range.

In Case 3, the touchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 were both outputtedHigh Level in States (A) and (B) like in Case 1, so this product isnon-defective. However, the touchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 did notfunction in State (B) which is the range in which they are designed tofunction, and their output for this State was Low Level (Lv). Thetouchless sensor 14 in such an illuminator is not sensitive enough incontrast to Case 2. Therefore, the same judgment as in Case 2 is given,i.e. that, the touchless sensor 14 and the MCU 33 do not function withinthe predetermined normal range, and so they must undergo the adjustmentprocedure according to the present invention.

As has been mentioned, FIG. 23 shows other possible combinations of thestates, as Cases 4 through 8 in addition to Case 1, Case 2 and Case 3.However, these defective products will not undergo the adjustmentprocedure described thus far since they will have been removed inprevious steps such as sensor inspection step. Therefore, there is noneed to consider these products in the present adjustment procedure.

FIG. 24A through FIG. 24C, FIG. 25A and FIG. 25B are time charts fordescribing signals which are processed inside the MCU 33 when the MCU 33is in the normal mode and in the adjustment mode according to thepresent invention. In each figure, the horizontal axis represents time(t) whereas the vertical axis represents the reflected-light intensityinformation S. Each figure plots reflected-Tight intensity information Swhich represents reflected infrared rays α2 received by the MCU 33 fromthe semiconductor device 22 at each time point.

It should be noted here that in FIG. 24A through FIG. 24C, FIG. 25A andFIG. 25B, a reference symbol () indicates that there is no detectiontarget or that the detection target is far enough from the touchlesssensor 14 in comparison with the preset distance L. A reference symbol(▪) indicates that the detection target is present, and the distancebetween the touchless sensor 14 and the detection target is the presetdistance L, i.e. L_(R)=L. Also, in each figure, a broken line representsa distance determining threshold value St which is stored in the datamemory 33A for use by the comparison controller 33B in comparison withthe above-described reflected-light intensity information received.

FIG. 24A shows a case where there is no such object as shown in FIG. 18or FIG. 19, or there is no detection target such as the inspection jig42 shown in FIG. 20A or FIG. 20B, or a case where such an object ortarget is far away by a distance longer than the preset distance L. Eachfigure illustrates that once the MCU 33 sends a start signal, thesemiconductor device 22 sends information about the reflected infraredrays α2 in the form of the reflected-light intensity information Sn, ata predetermined time interval T1, i.e. on a periodic basis. Inside theMCU 33, the comparison controller 33B compares the receivedreflected-light intensity information Sn with the threshold value Stwhich is stored in the data memory 33A. When there is no detectiontarget, in the direction in which the touchless sensor 14 works, or whena detection target is far away by a greater distance than the presetdistance L, the reflected-light intensity information Sn at each timepoint is always lower than the threshold value St.

Now, referring to FIG. 24B, description will cover how the MCU 33 worksby comparing the threshold value St with the received reflected-lightintensity information Sn. It should be noted here that if a productworks as described herein, the product is non-defective. Preferably, thethreshold value St is set as a value which is obtained by subtracting apredetermined marginal value from the reflected-light intensityinformation which is a value to be detected when a detection target isat the preset distance L. Now, if a detection target, is at the presetdistance L at time point Ta, detected reflected-light intensityinformation Sta is greater than the threshold value St. Then, it isnecessary to determine which of the commands, ON command or OFF command,should be sent to the driver IC. This can be made, for example, by usingthe comparison controller 33B to compare reflected-light intensityinformation St1 obtained at Time Point Ta-1 which is a time pointimmediately before Time Point Ta with the subsequent reflected-lightintensity information Sta obtained at Time Point Ta, to determine ifthere was an increase in the reflected-light intensity information Sacross the threshold value St as indicated by a reference symbol X1,between Time Point Ta-1 and Time Point Ta. This enables the touchlesssensor 14 and the subsequent MCU 33 to detect the detection target atthe preset distance L and to respond to the detection.

FIG. 24C shows a case where adjustment, must be made to the illuminator.FIG. 24C represents Case 3 in FIG. 23 for example. FIG. 24C shows a casewhere a detection target is at the preset distance L at Time Point Ta,yet reflected-light intensity information Sn which is actually sent tothe MCU 33 is smaller than the threshold value St, and therefore the MCU33 cannot recognize that the detection target is at the preset distanceL, being unable to respond to the presence of the target.

FIG. 25A shows time-course change of the reflected-light intensityinformation Sn processed by the MCU 33 in the present adjusting method.Signals after Time Point Ta indicate that the inspection jig 42 is atthe preset distance L, which represents the situation described in StepS03 and FIG. 20B. During the adjustment mode, the comparison controller33B preferably stores an average value Sna of reflected-light intensityinformation Sn received during a predetermined time period as a newthreshold value St0 in the data memory 33A. Preferably, the newthreshold value St0 is obtained by subtracting a predetermined marginalvalue Ml from the average value Sna. This subtraction is performed bythe comparison controller 33B.

FIG. 25B is a time chart showing a situation after the threshold valueSt has been adjusted. As understood from FIG. 25B, the new distancedetermining threshold value St0 is stored in the data memory 33A, andthis new threshold value St0 is utilized in performing the samedetermination procedure as shown in FIG. 24B. This enables the touchlesssensor 14 and the MCU 33 to detect the detection target when it is atthe preset distance L. Specifically, by using the comparison controller33B to compare reflected-light intensity information St1 obtained atTime Point Ta-1 which is a time point immediately before Time Point Tawith the subsequent reflected-light intensity information Sta obtainedat Time Point Ta, to determine if there was an increase in thereflected-light intensity information S across the threshold value St asindicated by a reference symbol X2, between Time Point Ta-1 and TimePoint Ta. This enables the touchless sensor 14 and the subsequent MCU 33to detect the detection target at the preset distance L and to respondto the detection.

FIG. 26A and FIG. 26B show a preferred variation of the illuminatoraccording to the present invention. Like the focal illuminator 10 inFIG. 17, a kitchen illuminator 50 includes a light source holder 16 anda operation section 17 in an integrated fashion whereas a light sourceholder 16 incorporates an unillustrated power supply circuit and controlcircuit for example. It should be noted here that the kitchenilluminator 50 in FIG. 26A includes a circuit which is equivalent to theone represented by the circuit block diagram in FIG. 19.

The kitchen illuminator 50 can suitably be used as a kitchen fitmentinstalled in a kitchen. The kitchen fitment has, for example, a wallhung cabinet 51 which has at least one of its outside surface fixed to awall of the kitchen. The kitchen illuminator 50 is fixed to a bottomsurface of the wall hung cabinet 51, as a supplemental light toilluminate the space below, including a sink 52 and a top board 53provided as a cooking space on top of a pedestal type cabinet.

Space around the kitchen fitment is a work space for a human operator touse water in the sink, to cook on the top board and so on. The kitchenilluminator 50 according to the present invention allows the operator toturn on/off the illuminator 50 in a non-contact manner. This providessafety by eliminating risks for electric shock hazard, and improveshygiene as well. The object 21, or the detection target, for activatingthe non-contact operation is provided by a hand of the operator in thepresent, case. The operator should simply bring his/her hand into adetection field 14 c as illustrated, to turn on/off the kitchenilluminator 50. FIG. 26A shows that an operator is bringing his hand asa detection target into a detection field 14 c, i.e. a proximity space,of the touchless sensor 14 which is disposed in the operation section 17in order to turn on/off the kitchen illuminator 50. FIG. 26B is anenlarged view of the area including the touchless sensor 14. Thedetection field 14 c in the kitchen illuminators 50 is accuratelyadjusted using the adjusting process according to the present inventiondescribed above and therefore, the detection field 14 c is highlyaccurate. This eliminates a problem that, an object which is not withinthe detection field would accidentally activate the kitchen illuminator50.

FIG. 27 shows a preferred variation of the illuminator according to thepresent invention. The illuminator 60 is a so called ceiling light, andincludes a light, source holder 16 and an operation section 17. Thelight, source holder 16 is attached typically to a ceiling whereas theoperation section 17 has at least an outside surface thereof fixed to orburied in a wall, for example, within a reach of an operator's hand.Specifically, the illuminator 60 in FIG. 27 has the light source holder16 and the operation section 17 separated from each other. Such aconfiguration differs from those in FIG. 17, FIG. 26A or FIG. 26B. Thelight source holder 16 incorporates an unillustrated power unit, and acontroller. It should be noted here that the illuminators 60 includes acircuit which is equivalent to the one represented by the circuit, blockdiagram in FIG. 19, and may include unillustrated remote-controltransmitter and remote-control receiver. A preferred arrangement in sucha case is that, an ON-OFF signal y is transmitted once a hand of anoperator comes in the detection field 14 c of the touchless sensor 14.The signal may be whichever of infrared signal or so called radiofrequency signal. Alternatively, a wired connection may be providedbetween the light source holder 16 and the operation section 17.

Even in the case like the illuminators 60 where the light source holder16 and the operation section 17 are not structurally connected orintegrally connected with each other, accuracy of the touchlessactivation using a touchless sensor is controlled by the touchlesssensor 14 and the controller 33 in the operation section 17. Therefore,the adjustment method according to the present, invention is effectivelyapplicable in a manufacturing process of illuminators of this type.

Since the illuminator 60 has a light source holder 16 and an operationsection 17 separated from each other, many variations are possible todifferent, types of illuminators. In addition to the ceiling light, asshown in FIG. 27 where the light source holder 16 is attached directlyto the ceiling for overall lighting of the entire room, variationsinclude a suspended light (unillustrated) in which the light sourceholder is suspended from a ceiling, a bracket, light, in which thelight, source holder is attached to a wall, an undercabinet light forilluminating commercial goods displayed on a shelf, and downlight buriedinto a ceiling.

Illuminators according to the present invention are turned on/off in anon-contact manner and can have a clearly defined field of response.Also, the method of adjusting illuminators according to the presentinvention makes use of an MCU in checking and adjusting the boundary ofthe field of response. This provides a high level of industrialapplicability since it improves production yield in the manufacturingprocess of the illuminators.

Technical aspects of the illuminator and the adjusting method thereofprovided by the present invention will be described below as appendices.

Appendix 1

An illuminator comprising:

a light source;

a touchless sensor for non-contact detection of approach or movement ofa detection target; and

a controller for an ON/OFF control of the light source based on anoutput from the touchless sensor;

wherein the controller includes a data memory for storage ofreflected-light intensity information regarding a reflected light comingfrom the detection target to the touchless sensor.

Appendix 2

The illuminator according to Appendix 1, wherein the controller performsthe ON/OFF control to the light source upon approach of the detectiontarget, to a predetermined proximity from the touchless sensor.

Appendix 3

The illuminator according to Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein thereflected-light intensity information stored in the data memory isrewritable.

Appendix 4

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 3, wherein thecontroller sends a signal for light intensity measurement of thereflected light, to the touchless sensor at a predetermined timing.

Appendix 5

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 4, wherein thedata memory in the controller stores a piece of reflected-lightintensity information which indicates a specific distance as a thresholdvalue for determining the approach of the detection target.

Appendix 6

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 5, wherein thecontroller is connected with an enabling means provided outside thecontroller, to enable and disable the light intensity measurement of thereflected light from the detection target to the touchless sensor.

Appendix 7

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 6, wherein thetouchless sensor includes:

at least one light emitter which, if plural, are located at different,positions within one plane for simultaneous or sequential emission oflight;

a light receiver for detection of light reflected by the detectiontarget and hitting the light receiver simultaneously or sequentiallyfollowing the simultaneous or sequential emission of light from said atleast one light emitter; and

a reflected-light intensity information generator for generation of atleast a piece of reflected-light intensity information indicating anintensity of the reflected light detected by the light receiver; and

a data register for storage of the generated reflected-light intensityinformation.

Appendix 8

The illuminator according to Appendix 7, wherein each of said at leastone light emitter is provided by an infrared LED which emits an infraredray.

Appendix 9

The illuminator according to: Appendix 7, wherein the controllercompares the reflected-light intensity information sent from thetouchless sensor at a predetermined timing with the threshold valuestored in advance in the data memory, and performs the ON/OFF control ofthe light source if the reflected-light intensity information isdetermined to be greater than the threshold value.

Appendix 10

The illuminator according to Appendix 9, wherein the controllerperforms:

a step of receiving reflected-light intensity information and store itin the data memory at one time point;

a step of receiving reflected-light intensity information at anothertime point which is adjacent to said one time point; and

a step of determining, by using these pieces of information, whether ornot received reflected-light intensity information is greater than thethreshold value.

Appendix 11

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 10, furthercomprising a case incorporating the light source, the touchless sensorand the controller; and

an arm attached to the case.

Appendix 12

The illuminator according to Appendix 11, wherein the touchless sensoris disposed near an arm bracket to which the arm is attached.

Appendix 13

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 10, furthercomprising a case incorporating the light source, the touchless sensorand the controller, wherein the case is to be installed below awall-hung fixture which has at least one outer surface fixed to a wallsurface.

Appendix 14

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 10, wherein thelight, source is installed in a ceiling whereas at least one outersurface of a case including the touchless sensor and the controller isfixed to a wall surface other than the ceiling.

Appendix 15

The illuminator according to one of Appendices 1 through 14, wherein thelight source includes at least one LED.

Appendix 16

An adjustment method for the illuminator according to Appendix 1,comprising:

a step of preparing an illuminator which includes a touchless sensor anda detection target;

a step of moving the detection target by a predetermined distance fromthe touchless sensor;

a step of emitting light from the touchless sensor to hit the detectiontarget;

a step of detecting an intensity of light, reflected by the detectiontarget;

a step of generating reflected-light intensity information from thedetected light intensity;

a step of comparing the reflected-light intensity information with alight intensity threshold value stored in the controller; and

a step of determining whether or not a range in which the touchlesssensor and the controller respond to the detection target is within apredetermined specification.

Appendix 17

The adjustment method of the illuminator according to Appendix 16,further comprising:

a step of detecting an intensity of reflected infrared rays casted ontothe touchless sensor;

a step of generating reflected-light intensity information from thedetected light intensity;

a step of subtracting a predetermined marginal value from thereflected-light intensity information; and

a step of storing new reflected-light intensity information obtained bythe subtraction in the controller as a new threshold value,

for a case where the range in which the touchless sensor and thecontroller respond to the detection target is not within thepredetermined specification.

1. An LED lamp comprising: a light source including at least one LEDchip; a translucent cover for housing the LED chip and allowing lightfrom the LED chip to pass through; a motion sensor unit including alight receiving element for receiving light of a predeterminedwavelength, and a condensing lens for condensing light, of thepredetermined wavelength onto the light receiving element; and a powerunit, for controlling a state of operation of the LED chip based on anoutput, from the motion sensor unit; wherein the motion sensor unitincludes a light shielding member that is disposed to overlap the lightreceiving element in an optical axis direction of the condensing lensand arranged to surround the light receiving element as viewed in theoptical axis direction, the light, shielding member being made of amaterial having a lower light transmissivity than that of the condensinglens for a range of wavelengths including the predetermined wavelength.2. The LED lamp according to claim 1, wherein the condensing lens isexposed from the translucent, cover.
 3. The LED lamp according to claim2, wherein the light shielding member is exposed from the translucentcover.
 4. The LED lamp according to claim 1, wherein the light of thepredetermined wavelength is infrared light.
 5. The LED lamp according toclaim 1, further comprising an elongated rectangular LED substrate and apair of caps each attached to an end of the case, wherein thetranslucent, cover is cylindrical, and the light source includes aplurality of LED chips arranged on the LED substrate in a row extendingin a longitudinal direction of the LED substrate.
 6. The LED lampaccording to claim 5, wherein the motion sensor unit includes atransmissive cup housing the light receiving element, the cup includinga tubular portion and the condensing lens, and wherein the lightshielding member includes a light shielding tube surrounding the tubularportion of the cup.
 7. The LED lamp according to claim 6, wherein themotion sensor unit includes a metal cup that supports the lightreceiving element and is housed in the transmissive cup.
 8. The LED lampaccording to claim 5, wherein the light shielding member includes alight, shielding tube connected to the condensing lens.
 9. The LED lampaccording to claim 8, wherein the motion sensor unit includes a metalcup that supports the light receiving element and is housed in the lightshielding tube.
 10. The LED lamp according to claim 6, wherein the lightshielding tube is formed with a projection for making contact with aninner surface of the translucent cover.
 11. The LED lamp according toclaim 10, wherein the projection includes a plurality of ribs eachelongated in the optical axis direction of the condensing lens.
 12. TheLED lamp according to claim 10, wherein the projection includes at leastfour ribs.
 13. The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein the lightshielding member includes a metal cup supporting the light receivingelement.
 14. The LED lamp according to claim 5, further comprising aheat dissipater to which the LED substrate is attached.
 15. The LED lampaccording to claim 14, wherein the heat dissipater is formed with apower source storage for housing the power unit.
 16. The LED lampaccording to claim 5, further comprising a sensor base made of atransparent material, wherein the sensor base strides over the LEDsubstrate and supports the motion sensor unit.
 17. The LED lampaccording to claim 16, wherein the sensor base and one of the LED chipsoverlap with each other as viewed in a thickness direction of the LEDsubstrate.
 18. The LED lamp according to claim 16, wherein the motionsensor unit includes a sensor substrate that indirectly supports thelight receiving element, and the sensor base is formed with a fittinggroove into which an end of the sensor substrate is inserted.
 19. TheLED Lamp according to claim 16, wherein the sensor base includes aseparation wall disposed between the sensor substrate and the LED chips,the separation wall being spaced apart from the sensor substrate. 20.The LED lamp according to claim 5, wherein the translucent cover has anend formed with a cutout recessing in a longitudinal direction of thecover, and the condensing lens is exposed to an outside of the LED lampvia the cutout.
 21. The LED lamp according to claim 20, furthercomprising a shield plate filling a gap between the cutout and themotion sensor unit.
 22. The LED lamp according to claim 21, wherein oneof the two caps is closer to the cutout than the other of the two cups,and said one of the two caps includes a shielding projection extendinginto the cutout.
 23. The LED lamp according to claim 1, furthercomprising an LED substrate and a cap, the LED substrate supporting theLED chip, the cap being disposed opposite to the LED substrate withrespect to the power unit, wherein the translucent cover is dome-shaped,the motion sensor unit is supported by the LED substrate, and thetranslucent cover includes a top portion at which the condensing lens isexposed to an outside of the LED lamp.